"We also investigated the Fourfold Grove," Luminita began, with Libel continuing. "There are no records of any daily-use items or funerary goods being unearthed, so it’s unlikely to be a residence or a cemetery. Given the intricate decorations and the construction of the rooms, it's plausible that it was a religious facility. The four rooms, the four types of spirits, and the name 'Fourfold Grove' all seem interconnected."
"In other words, it was a site for seasonal festivals?" Silas inquired, probing their theory.
"I once studied the local history in the academy’s library. There were records of several instances of forest depletion leading to a shortage of timber and changes in the ecosystem. The causes varied, from fires to soil contamination. I surmise that this land has long been susceptible to environmental changes, making it prone to shifts in living conditions," Libel explained.
"I see. So, the people of this land began to pray for the smooth cycle of the seasons, which led to the creation of the Fourfold Grove," the master offered, and Libel nodded in agreement.
"The mysterious spirits that appeared might be the result of ancient spirit magicians casting spells to summon spirits as warnings when changes occur in the forest."
"These spirits told me that 'the earth is eroding' and 'it's cold.' I believe they meant it literally. There might be soil erosion happening somewhere in the forest around the ruins," Luminita continued.
"And the cause?" Silas asked.
"For instance, deforestation. Large-scale logging for timber leads to soil exposure," Libel responded.
"Deforestation causes soil exposure, leading to erosion during the rainy season and loss of topsoil. This results in slower plant growth in autumn and a lack of food for animals during winter hibernation. It's a common scenario for soil contamination," Silas contributed logically to the discussion.
Elder Seron, who had been listening silently, slowly spoke up. "Why would there be excessive logging? This winter was cold, but the local residents' need for firewood shouldn't cause soil exposure."
"Considering the population size of Alderwick, logging for domestic use is insufficient. Thus, external factors are at play. I recall reports of groups sighted around the forest near the ruins... This suggests the possibility of illegal logging. Since the war fifty years ago, there has been significant consumption of resources across the Plains Country Plato for post-war reconstruction. Especially in the capital, Landinium, rapid development has been ongoing with the construction of buildings and public facilities. It’s likely that unauthorised groups are exploiting this demand. I suggest reporting to the capital and requesting an investigation team," Libel concluded.
After Libel's explanation, Luminita took a deep breath and tried to summarise calmly. "This concludes our report."
There was a brief silence.
Silas cleared his throat and spoke in a distinctly scholarly manner, "I comprehend the narrative you've constructed. However, empirical evidence is requisite. At the very least, to file a report with the Wardens. It's been half a century since the new regime was established, yet our nation remains in a state of flux. Amidst a plethora of similar incidents, shall we wager on how much leisure time they have to spare?"
"The spirits I saw were pleading for assistance. Something must certainly be happening in that forest," Luminita's voice trembled slightly.
"In that case, might it be possible to summon these spirits once more and obtain their testimony? If a forest excursion is necessary, we could embark forthwith," Silas suggested, his tone both curious and sceptical.
The two found themselves at a loss for words. The beings they had encountered in the forest had vanished after a while, and they hadn't been able to communicate with them since. They had returned without obtaining any decisive evidence or testimony. It was to compensate for this that they had investigated past circumstances and literature.
"It appears to be rather challenging," Silas observed, his eyebrow arched.
"We truly did see the spirits and hear their words," Luminita insisted, beads of sweat forming on her forehead.
Silas locked eyes with Luminita for a moment before turning to Libel. "Did you hear the same words, young man?"
Luminita glanced at Libel. He seemed to hesitate for a moment but then answered resolutely. "I saw their forms, but I couldn't understand their words."
"As expected. Verbal communication with spirits is an exceptionally advanced skill. Even a first-class Phasmanicus practitioner would find it difficult without assistance," Silas explained, his tone didactic.
"Won't you believe us?" Luminita felt her tone growing stronger, but she couldn't stop herself. Silas sighed, seemingly exasperated.
"It's not a matter of belief or disbelief. Well, I suppose it's not my place, as an outsider, to comment. You should consult the village elders. A national investigation can come after that. Your role ends here," Silas stated matter-of-factly.
"Then I'll go to the forest right now!" Luminita declared.
"Such childish reasoning," Silas chuckled drily. He then looked at Libel with a slightly troubled expression, as if saying, "Do calm her down, won't you?"
Luminita thought her heart was like a candle flame. Her anger, sadness, and emotional turmoil were seeping out, flickering and burning. She knew she was being emotional. But Luminita didn't know how to handle these emotions. She looked at Libel. In times like these, it was always Libel who brought discussions that had gone off track back on course. She knew she shouldn't speak emotionally to someone like Silas.
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(I was using the wrong approach...)
Suddenly, Luminita remembered when they were still small. When they were living in the facility with other children.
Back then, the other children who could see spirits were discovering new things every day, their eyes shining as they talked about the unknown world they sensed. When they went to the hills and fields, they encountered unusual plants and insects, and could quickly spot and avoid muddy cliffs and deep rivers after rain. In the fields, they could immediately distinguish between healthy vegetables and those that weren't. They quickly became friends with horses, and some could ride like adults after just a little training. In their studies, they would discuss the new spirits and phenomena they had seen that day, happily debating about their growing powers.
But Luminita and Clara were different. At first, Luminita couldn't bring herself to tell others that she couldn't see spirits. She thought her little sister Clara might be bullied if they knew. Luminita tried to go along with what others said. During the day, she was always watching others' reactions, and at night, she would fall asleep quickly from exhaustion. When she woke up, she felt depressed. The thought of having to spend another day lying made her fear the mornings.
It was Libel who reached out to her at that time. Libel confided in her that he couldn't see spirits either. And he told the adult caretakers about the situation of the three of them. If he hadn't done that, Luminita would have probably spent much more time worrying alone.
Word that the three of them couldn't see spirits quickly spread to those around them. It was understandable. When they went to the mountains, they had to constantly check maps and observe their surroundings, making sure there were no dangerous creatures and confirming if there was a path ahead before they could move forward. They had to taste or try things themselves to know if food was good. Not understanding horses' feelings, they once approached from behind and almost got kicked. The other children laughed, but for them, it was desperate.
Luminita and the others needed to get hurt, injured, and spend twice as much time as the others learning how to live. The more they tried, the more they felt left behind by those around them, and Luminita would quietly cry in bed at night. She tried not to show her tears in front of Clara, thinking it might make her anxious.
These childhood memories shook her heart. Luminita suddenly felt that what they were doing was insignificant. What could someone like her, inferior to those around her, possibly accomplish? She had gotten excited about accidentally contacting spirits in the forest, thinking that only they could save them. Like a protagonist in a story, she thought she might be able to achieve something...
But as Silas said, there was no objective evidence. Was it even true that the spirits were asking for help? This was the first time she had such clear communication with spirits. Wasn't she just projecting her own assumptions onto an unfamiliar event? They had tried to construct their own logic, but from an adult's perspective, this was probably just child's play.
Anxious thoughts kept surfacing in Luminita's mind. The self that had been reporting so orderly just a moment ago felt like a different person from a distant past. A mix of embarrassment and anxiety made her feel her face getting hot.
Luminita thought she should end the conversation quickly and leave this place in a hurry. At least she had told the adults about the likely presence of spirits. As Silas said, this was the end of their role. They were just supporting characters after all, and should leave the stage before troubling the people around them any further...
Amidst Luminita's unstable thoughts, the face of one person suddenly appeared. A precious person with a gentle smile.
(What does Libel think about this?)
Luminita turned back, as if seeking help. She felt conflicted between wanting to know Libel's thoughts and wanting to end this without knowing.
What if he too didn't really believe Luminita?
What if the kind Libel had just been going along with Luminita's selfishness, thinking from the start that such an absurd story wouldn't be accepted...
A different, deeper and more terrifying feeling gripped Luminita's heart. Desperately resisting
the fear that made her want to close her eyes, Luminita raised her eyelids.
Libel, noticing Luminita's gaze, smiled quietly.
And then he answered Silas's earlier question.
"Everything she, Luminita, has said is the truth. If you need evidence, we'll go investigate again ourselves."
Libel's words warmed Luminita's chilled heart like spring sunshine. Libel believed in what they had built together. Luminita felt her crumbling feelings being rebuilt. She remembered the difficult days of their childhood, yet they had lived happily because of Libel and Clara.
Luminita recalled the spirits she saw in the forest, huddled together, holding hands, just like her and her siblings. Thinking of this gave her strength. She decided to do her best.
"These children, the spirits of the four seasons in the forest, were asking us for help. At first, they were trembling... I think they must have been scared. There were spirits that looked like children. They might have been parents and children, or they might have been comrades from the same homeland. It's true that we've never been able to communicate well with spirits before. ...But the feeling of wanting to protect family and friends must be the same. We want to do what we can for them. Elder Seron, I want to formally request an investigation from the country! If not, we will investigate the forest once more ourselves!"
At Luminita's words, Seron stroked his chin and said, "Hmm."
"I fail to comprehend why you're so adamant about this," Silas said, maintaining his composure. Luminita turned to face him and answered.
"When we were little, my brother, sister, and I were brought to this country from Substania. It was for the protection of orphans. However, due to various reasons - being from Substania, the country that started the war fifty years ago, not being able to use Phasmanicus - we couldn't find anyone to take us in. We were treated as unwelcome presences in this country. At that time, there was someone who helped us. That person also found us a place to stay in this village."
"Until then, I thought it was inevitable that we would be treated that way. Because we're from Substania, and we can't see spirits... I thought that experiencing hardships was my fate, my soul. I thought there must be some flaw or cause in something like my soul. But that person said it's not like that. They said what's important is how we view the world. They said it's too early to take the easy way out by entrusting ourselves to things like souls and fate, that we should cherish what we can share with others and try to understand each other... It was a bit difficult for me, and I can't explain it well, but I think it's important to look at things with the right knowledge and heart. She said she was a Hoshiwatari."
As Luminita spoke, she felt the burden on her heart lightening.
"I want to become a person like her. That's why I think we should make an effort to convey the words and feelings of the spirits we heard."
"Do you want to become Hoshiwatari?" Silas asked.
"Yes," Luminita replied.
There was a brief silence. As Luminita was wondering if she had said everything she needed to, suddenly laughter broke out. It was Silas. The Master glared at him, startled.
After finishing his laugh, Silas relaxed his mouth and whispered, "How youthful." He cleared his throat and began to speak.
"I do beg your pardon. I fear I may have been a tad too intimidating. Allow me to reintroduce myself properly. My name is Silas Varro. I'm a specialist investigator and scholar of spirit phenomena, dispatched from the capital, Landinium."